Distressing memories: A continuum from wellness to PTSD
Alexandra Martalek1, Caroline Dubertret2, Thomas Fovet3
1Department of Psychiatry, Louis-Mourier Hospital, AP-HP, 92700 Colombes, France; Université Paris cité, Faculty of Medicine, Paris, France.
Journal of Affective Disorders
|July 19, 2024
Summary
Distressing memories (DM) are common after trauma and can indicate an increased risk for psychiatric disorders, even without full post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Identifying DM helps clinicians recognize vulnerability to mental health conditions.
Area of Science:
- Psychiatry
- Trauma Studies
- Epidemiology
Background:
- Traumatic events frequently cause distress, ranging from isolated distressing memories (DM) to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- The continuum theory suggests a spectrum of responses to trauma.
Purpose of the Study:
- To assess the continuum theory of trauma response using DM as an isolated symptom.
- To examine the psychiatric correlates of DM in individuals exposed to trauma.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of data from the National Epidemiologic Study of Alcohol and Related Conditions III (NESARC-III).
- Assessment of DM prevalence and sociodemographic/psychiatric correlates in a trauma-exposed sample.
- Comparison of three groups: controls, isolated DM, and PTSD.
Main Results:
- In a sample of 17,505 trauma-exposed individuals, 13% had PTSD and 42% had DM without PTSD.
- DM showed high sensitivity (95.14%) but moderate specificity (51.91%) for PTSD diagnosis.
- Individuals with DM reported more lifetime psychiatric disorders than controls, but fewer than those with PTSD.
Conclusions:
- Distressing memories (DM) represent an intermediate state between well-being and PTSD.
- DM is associated with various psychiatric disorders, indicating transdiagnostic relevance.
- DM is a valuable clinical indicator of psychiatric vulnerability.
Keywords:
ContinuumDistressing memoriesMood disordersPost-traumatic stress disordersSubstance use disordersMore Related Videos
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